Former “Walton’s” Star Directing North Texas Musicals

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – For years The Walton’s were one of America’s favorite families. In the television Judy Norton played Walton child Mary Ellen. Last weekend she was in North Texas and talked with CBS 11.

Norton was at the Uptown Theatre in Grand Prairie for the Rocky Mountain High Musical, but she wasn’t performing, she was directing.

Naturally the conversation began with reflection on the iconic television series she was a part of.

Norton started playing Mary Ellen Walton in 1971.

“It was an audition I went on initially for the pilot The Homecoming and it turned into a nine year series, changed my life,” she shared.

After the Walton’s, Norton went back to theatre and then began writing and directing, which is what brought her to North Texas.

“I directed A Chorus Line for Texan Family Musicals, so I’m usually in town two or three times a year and I will be back for New Year’s Eve — performing at the Uptown Theatre. So if you want to come out and see me ring in the New Year…” she laughed invitingly.

Norton has also started writing and directing for film and television.

“It’s like every time I turn around a new phase of my career is starting, which keeps me interested and inspired about the future,” she explained.

Regardless of which hat she’s wearing, Norton never forgets her Walton family roots and the fans that met her on TV. She said, “I love having an opportunity to stay in contact with people who have been part of my career since the Walton’s.”

When asked what she likes to do in North Texas when she isn’t working Norton shared, “This trip I actually got out I got to see the stockyards and see downtown FortWorth. I’m a horse person so to get down to the west here in the states is wonderful, wonderful!”